Plano Shelter Crisis Advocate

Shelter Crisis Advocate

Plano Location

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt/Hourly Employee, $15-$16/hour

Summary:

Responsible for providing support and information to Crisis Line callers and Shelter residents in both the Garland and Plano Shelters. Serves to promote the safety, empowerment, and optimum mental health of victims of domestic violence through implementation of advocacy, crisis intervention and support services.

Direct Report:
Shelter Services Coordinator

• Provides crisis interventions via 24-hour Crisis Line during assigned shift.
• Maintains accurate client files and records through computer database and hard copies.
• Daily updates in the communication log throughout shift.
• Maintains client records in a timely and accurate manner in Salesforce, all information being updated by the end of the shift.
• Conducts client intakes and exits as needed on shift.
• Arrange emergency transportation as needed.
• Share client concerns with the appropriate staff.
• Maintains and assists with general communal household needs.
• Trains and collaborates with Shelter volunteers scheduled during assigned shift. Understands program objectives and how they relate to the goals of the agency. Assesses the physical, social, and emotional needs of clients and applies appropriate interventions.
• Treats clients with respect, dignity, and empathy.
• Establishes rapport with clients and their children.
• Keeps all client information confidential.
• Identifies client concerns to the appropriate staff.
• Provides education and information to the client to support informed choices.
• Delivers programs and services in a manner that is respectful and sensitive to the client's cultural experience.
• Follows all policies and procedures in the event of a pandemic.
• Prevents, identifies, and removes discriminatory barriers in services provided.
• Communicates and follows up on necessary information with appropriate staff.
• Develops and maintains current knowledge and expertise regarding domestic violence.
• Attend training as necessary to maintain accurate and adequate knowledge in the field of domestic violence.
• Participate in shelter staff meetings.
• Must be available to work any shift, at either shelter location, as needed.
• Must be available to work at either Outreach locations as needed.
• Must be available to work a minimum of one weekend per month and holidays.
• All other duties as assigned.

• High School diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology or a related field preferred.
• Crisis counseling knowledge and/or experience is desirable.
• Knowledge of social service/mental health is desirable.
• Must have ability to respond in a constructive, supportive manner to adults and children in crisis situations.
• Must be sensitive to varying cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds.
• One-year experience working with victims of domestic violence is desirable.

• Ability to type.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of clients, and volunteers.
• Reasoning ability to comprehend all facets of program delivery within the collaborative networking system.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Must possess valid Texas driver's license and maintain a good driving record.
• Must possess a means of reliable transportation, with current required Texas liability, and can travel throughout multiple location sites.
• Ability to lift 10+ pounds.
• Ability to function as a team member.
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel assigned to this classification and are not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.